Objective: To compare the anti-inflammatory effects of fexofenadine with other H(1)-receptor antagonists in vitro.
Data sources: Published literature.
Study selection: Recent experimental studies on anti-inflammatory effects of H(1)-receptor antagonists. Databases searched: Medline, Medscape.
Period covered: 1990-2003. Search terms: second-, third-generation antihistamines; sedating, nonsedating antihistamines; in vitro anti-inflammatory activity; cetirizine; ebastine; loratadine; fexofenadine; desloratadine.
Results: Second- and third-generation H(1)-receptor antagonists may demonstrate significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity at concentrations considered to be clinically relevant. In some instances, higher (supraclinical) concentrations are required to achieve comparable effects.
Conclusions: Experimental research suggests that second- and third-generation H(1)-receptor antagonists may achieve anti-inflammatory effects in a clinical context. Further studies are required to support this conclusion.